Road Accident with Bicycle and Car

What are bicycle accidents and the types of injuries caused?

When a person riding a bicycle is hit by a vehicle and results in an injury caused, it is said to be a bicycle accident. Typically, such accidents occur from the actions of a negligent or reckless motorist. Motor vehicles don’t just cause hit-and-run cases. Rather, bicyclists are experiencing both small and serious accidents in the state of Georgia. One of the biggest reasons is that vehicle owners aren’t aware of the bicyclists who share the same road. The worst part is that some drivers won’t even stop to check how serious the bicyclist’s injury is after hitting them. No wonder, cyclists don’t have the same protective features that protect people inside their vehicles in case there is a collision.

If you or a loved one has been injured call (866) 592-1296 today for a free, no obligation consultation.

Below listed are the common injuries that result
from a bicycle accident:

  • Jaw, neck, and face injurie
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Dislocated or broken bones
  • Permanent disfigurement or scarring
  • Vertebral and back injuries
  • Burns, bruises, cuts, and scrapes
  • Bleeding or internal injuries
  • Soft tissues tear, sprain, and strain
  • Total or partial paralysis
  • Joint and knee injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder

What are the legal rights that a cyclist in Georgia can avail of?

If you or someone you love is involved in a bicycle accident, you can seek compensation for the injuries or other damages. The legal rights that are covered include personal injury, property damage, and even wrongful death. With the help of a Georgia bicycle accident lawyer, you can establish a claim and demand compensation from the other person.

  • Medical costs to treat related injuries
  • Lost wages
  • Projected value of loss in the future
  • Costs of emotional suffering and physical pain from the injuries
  • Costs of replacing or repairing the bicycle if it was damaged

In the state of Georgia, drivers need to carry liability insurance by law. These will cover the costs of other people’s property damage and medical bills if the insured is at fault in the bicycle accident. But not every driver complies with this law.

If you have suffered from a bicycle accident, your auto policy’s underinsured or uninsured motorist insurance comes in handy. Although they are optional in Georgia, they have been added automatically to insurance policies. You can avail of the benefits if the driver has insufficient or no insurance.

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Different types of bicycle accidents

As you may know, bicycle accidents are common occurrences in Georgia. And, there are several reasons for it as well. Let’s discuss them in detail.

Collisions

Although rare, bicycle accidents that result from a collision could have a devastating effect on the rider. Serious injuries are bound to happen. The rider may even get killed. Internal injuries, broken bones, back and neck injuries, and head trauma are common.

Getting doored

It is important to watch out for areas along the streets where cars are parked most often. If you don’t want the car door to hit you, ensure that you are riding at a minimum of four feet in the lane.

The right hook

Another cause of bicycle accidents common in Georgia is the right hook. Whenever you are approaching an intersection, don’t pull your bicycle to the right side of an oncoming vehicle. As such, the vehicle could run over you or turn into you.

Distracted driving

Divers who are engaged in distractions will cause accidents if they fail to notice bicyclists.

Rear-end collisions

When a driver approaches a bicyclist from behind with less caution, there could be a collision. The riders could be crushed, pinned, or even thrown from their bicycles.

Useful tips to avoid bicycle accidents

If you enjoy cycling in the state of Georgia, there could be plenty of reasons. Riding bicycles is eco-friendly, economical, fun, and healthy until something goes wrong when you are involved in an accident. There are lots of bicyclists that suffer injuries every year.

However, these incidents could be stopped by making simple adjustments to your life. That way, you don’t have to worry about having an unpleasant experience when riding a bicycle.

Take a look at the following tips that might help you avoid bicycle accidents:

  • Understand the traffic laws in your area and follow them without fail
  • Never forget to wear a helmet while riding. Also, secure it with straps below your chin
  • Make sure that you are properly visible on the road
  • It is good to wear bright-colored clothes
  • Pay attention to traffic lights and signs
  • Ensure that your bicycle has adequate reflectors
  • Always use lights before dawn and after dusk
  • Consider wearing reflective clothing
  • Carry extra batteries for your taillight and headlight
  • Try to keep your bicycle away from the drivers
  • Maintain steady hands on the brake
  • Take extra precautions at intersections
  • Assume that drivers aren’t seeing you
  • Making eye contact with drivers is important
  • Prepare yourself to take defensive action when necessary
  • Always stay alert
Safe bicycle helmet

Call (866) 592-1296 today for a free, no obligation consultation.

Fallen Helmet and Bike

How to file a claim right after a bicycle accident

In the state of Georgia, the statute of limitations when it comes to personal injury lawsuits is two years. It means, the sooner your Atlanta bicycle accident lawyer starts working on the case, the sooner you can get compensation. How much you will get depends on the extent of damages caused. Your bicycle accident attorney will gather enough evidence to support your case and prove the at-fault person’s liability. If you want to build a strong case, it takes a considerable amount of time and effort. The lawyers will use eyewitness statements, bicycle accident reconstruction, and other evidence that tells how the accident was caused.

Some of the common reasons why drivers injure bicyclists include the following:

  • Reckless driving
  • Failure to stop at the stop signal
  • Not stopping right after the red light shines
  • Distracted by something while driving

Although these are some of the common reasons for a bicycle accidents, making them identifiable takes much effort. If the driver wants to settle outside court, your lawyer would help you out on that. But if you are not satisfied with the outside court settlement, you can file a lawsuit. Your lawyer will help you get the highest compensation possible for your bicycle accident case.

Conclusion

In the state of Georgia, thousands of people are involved in bicycle accidents each year. Some of the accidents even result in serious bicycle accident injuries and major damages. As long as bicyclists follow the traffic rules, they are protected by Georgian law and can seek compensation. When you hire a Georgia bicycle accident lawyer, they will help you get the maximum possible compensation. Besides, it is equally important to stay safe whenever you ride a bicycle on the road. Adhere to the existing traffic laws in the state of Georgia and follow the helpful tips mentioned above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rights of Georgia bicycle accident lawyers in Atlanta bicycle accident cases?

The Georgia bicycle accident lawyers will review your case and help you with the right solution that you need for your specific situation. Different bicycle accidents will have different circumstances. Hence, they will study every aspect and file a claim on your behalf. The lawyers will have similar rights because the Atlanta bicycle accident cases are governed by the same Georgian law.

Finding the right Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer is not as difficult as you may think. A renowned Atlanta personal injury lawyer will offer free consultation as well. Injury lawyers are helping their clients for many decades and helping them receive maximum compensation for the damages caused. So, make sure to compare a few services from different providers before narrowing down your choices.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says that the majority of personal injuries caused due to bicycle accidents result in head injuries. Moreover, the majority of deaths caused by accidents involving bicycles are severe injuries to the head.

Therefore, the institution stresses the importance of wearing a helmet. Helmets are critical protection for bicyclists. Moreover, putting the strap under the chin makes the helmet more functional.

Yes, it is possible to recover compensation in a hit-and-run case accident. One of the reasons why this type of accident is increasing is because vehicles aren’t aware that cyclists share the road with them. Sometimes, they drive away from the scene without checking how seriously the cyclist was injured. Whatever the case, you will get compensation.

No, there are no special considerations that needed to be checked when it comes to filing a claim for bicycle wrecks. However, it is better to consult a reputed Georgia bicycle accident lawyer so that you don’t have trouble filing the claim. They will ensure that the at-fault party pays for the damages caused.

While bicycling is a fun-filled activity, countless cyclists face minor or major accidents on the streets of Georgia every year. Therefore, prevent accidents by following these safety measures whenever you go out for bike riding.

  • Be careful when riding at intersections
  • Always wear helmets with straps on
  • Follow traffic rules without fail
  • It is good to wear reflective clothing
  • Watch out for traffic lights and signs
  • Stay alert at all times

Keep in mind that motorcycle accidents and bicycle accidents have legal similarities and differences. However, the legal remedies are almost similar whether it is about a motorcycle or bicycle accident most of the time. Still, the circumstances in both cases are different. Talk with your lawyer to know more about it.

If you want to get a free consultation for your Georgia bicycle accident case, start looking for a reputed bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. They are the ones who will stand up for your damages and provide you with legal services and present the facts of a case to the insurance company and assist bicycle riders with their personal injury claims.

As such, you can claim maximum compensation from the at-fault party. The bicycle accident lawyers at Scholle Law offer free consultations and will only take fees when you get your compensation.

The amount to be recovered as compensation during settlement depends on the extent of damages and other factors of your bike accident. You may get compensation for your:

  • Property damage
  • Lost wages
  • Hospital and doctor bills
  • Cost of replacing or repairing the bicycle

Furthermore, you are entitled to damages related to your pain and suffering based on overall economic damages.

In the state of Georgia, you have to contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible after getting involved in a severe bike wreck. Even if you are not capable of doing that then and there, wait for some time until you have recovered.

The statute of limitations in Georgia for a personal injury lawsuit is two years. So, you have enough time to seek maximum compensation.

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